HUGE swathes of land around Weymouth and Dorchester are set to be turned into car parks for the Olympics next year.

The Olympic Delivery Authority has named areas it wants to use for park and ride sites as part of plans to ensure Weymouth and Portland doesn’t get clogged up with traffic next summer.

Some of the sites suggested are already used as car parks but others will be turned into temporary park and ride sites for a few months before being handed back to the countryside.

Around 8,000 spaces will be created in Weymouth and Dorchester from these sites and a fleet of buses will run people into town the ODA says.

Dorset County Council says residents will be consulted on the plans.

One of the temporary park and rides proposed is an 8.7 hectare agricultural field next to the entrance to Marsh Dairy off Littlemoor Road in Weymouth. It will cater for 1,800 vehicles used by people intending to watch the sailing events who are not travelling by public transport.

The planning application for this site will be determined by West Dorset District Council as the majority of the land is in the authority’s boundary.

Weymouth and Portland Borough Council’s Planning and Traffic Committee was made aware of the plans at a meeting and gave its authority for West Dorset to determine the application.

Committee chairman Mark Tewkesbury, who represents Littlemoor, said he couldn’t see any problems with the site being set up in the area.

He said: “The site is the opposite side of the road from the Co-op about 50 yards up and next to the farm track.

“It is used as farmland and the farmer will be compensated.

“People parking there will be bussed into town and the access is straight onto the new road. I don’t envisage problems with it locally.”

Director of Environment for West Dorset District Council and Weymouth & Portland Borough Council David Evans said: “The usual publicity and public consultation opportunities will apply to any applications received.”

Another proposed temporary site is at Monkey’s Jump on the outskirts of Dorchester. This is separate to West Dorset District Council’s plan for a permanent park and ride site in the area which has since been shelved.

Another park and ride site is planned for Kingston Maurward College near Dorchester.

Principal Clare Davison said: “We are delighted to support the Olympic Delivery Authority and their desire to establish a park and ride facility for the many visitors expected in the region during the 2012 sailing events.”

Other park and ride sites will be the already established site at Mount Pleasant and Park Street car parks in Weymouth.

Costs for parking at venues outside London will be from £10 for standard vehicles and from £18 for a minibus.

A spokesman for Dorset County Council said: “There will be engagement with local residents about the proposed temporary park and ride sites later this autumn.

“We are working closely with London 2012 and the district and borough councils to ensure the Games are a success.”